Audient iD44 MKII - USB Audio Interface Review

[@JulianKrause]

ATTENTION!! SCAM ALERT!!: There are messages with my profile picture claiming that you won an interface. These are spam bots, please do not get in contact with them! I don’t do random giveaways in the comments like this. I’m trying my best to delete the messages but it’s impossible to catch them all. Stay safe! Correction: The dynamic range of the main out of the Babyface PRO FS is actually 125.5 dB(A) as shown in its review. The graph will be adjusted in future videos.

[@JuanchoHeavyMetal12]

Thanks Julian. I was talking with the thief, almost fall in the trap...

[@sunahura]

I was just about to report them

[@JulianKrause]

@@JuanchoHeavyMetal12 Sadly KZbin really has a problem with these spam bots. Glad you could avoid it in the last minute!

[@garretdouglas4056]

it was in the early morning I read that I won. Like a dream that was not reality.

[@SeanBeatsss]

Thanks Julian!💕

[@Producelikeapro]

Always the best interface reviews on the internet! Thanks Julian for doing such Ana amazingly thorough job!

[@timbrown7652]

Agreed THE best reviews

[@FlynnIsAlive]

@@timbrown7652 Agreed! Julian is the best

[@MarsX69]

100%! Not only for consumers that are looking for getting access to the best possible audio interface, but for the manufacturers as well in order to see what can be improved and what to do next in order to stand out from the competition. Thumbs up, Julian! You're a Godsend for the audio-recording community.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@timbrown7652 huge fan of Julian's!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@FlynnIsAlive yes! Amazing!

[@SimonChampagne]

Your channel should really be considered a public service.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@madworker1927]

@@Producelikeapro haha good to see you here 👍

[@Producelikeapro]

@@madworker1927 thanks ever so much

[@JuanchoHeavyMetal12]

You are awesome guy, all reviews are very detail and useful. Please compare this interface with the new EVO 16.

[@OnurHunuma]

F buttons on the device are actually to pay respect when you are recording a talented musician. Numbers next to them are just your respect levels. Jokes aside, I just got the iD14 MK2 by trusting your review and I think it worths every single cent I paid. Thank you for feeding us with some of the best audio gear reviews in the world!

[@aliozankarci]

Thank you very much. We re waiting apollo x series interfaces so much

[@uwebaganz5144]

As always great test - only facts and measurements + the right amount of humor

[@samueloluyinkaojomu6548]

Amazing review as usual. Julian Krause is the best thing to happen to home studio users world wide. Waiting for the EVO16 review. I have been writing on all audient post to give you both the Audient ID44 mkii and EVO16 for review. I'm glad they listened

[@Clasam09]

While you're at it, tell em to add MIDI, and basic latency-free channel strip functions. It is their flagship after all.

[@ClearBlueFire]

This is the best review on the internet! Thank you

[@vannitagliavento]

Hello Julian, if you look closely at the manual of the ID44 MKII the high pass filter (as the -10db pad) are placed before the ADC conversion in the signal flow. Audient technician confirmed to me that he high pass circuitry is analog and done before conversion into the digital domain.

[@ballinastack93]

Please review Evo 16, would love to know the real world difference between the two interfaces when it comes to preamp quality and converter quality. Thanks!

[@RealLockheedMartin]

Yeah they have to be cutting serious corners somewhere. The EVO 16 doesn't make any sense otherwise. $500 for all of that? No way, I REALLY want to see the measurements.

[@ballinastack93]

@@RealLockheedMartin pre-ordered it anyway lol

[@fluphybunny930]

@@RealLockheedMartin just look at the unit. You can see where the money is saved. Evo units have excellent pre amps. The 16 won’t be any different.

[@robertfontaine3650]

I'm just trying to figure out if I can get rack ears on the Evo 16. It looks to be better than the ID44 for less money. Not sure how that works exactly but I have a space in my rack for it.

[@hammerpocket]

@@robertfontaine3650 The web page for the Evo 16 shows it with "optional rack ears." Edit: The rack ears are apparently free, but I think you have to order them so Audient doesn't waste resources putting them in every box (if I read it correctly).

[@furiobisotti8150]

Usual professional level of the test. Highly appreciated. I play live and the most needed feature for me is to set volume of two stereo outputs independently in hardware (with pots) . Only two boards are able to do that: Arturia Audiofuse and Audient Evo8. Evo 8 with one only pot but with switches to select output. I asked several times to Audient to allow that, but until now no success. I guess it's only me asking...

[@punknugget561]

LOL! Love the mic rotate control! Pretty noisy though. Gotta work on that one. Again, great and thorough review!

[@punknugget561]

I was able to figure it out and just contacted you. Again thank you so much and I look forward to your reply!

[@devbrow]

Always a great analysis. Would love to see the Audiofuse Studio on this channel! Curious to see how it stands up to others in its range.

[@Rod-Wheeler]

Exceptional Review! Thank You.!

[@wokn_nocturama]

Wow you just keep giving. Amazing work it helps a lot. I remember back then when you started everyone had specific requests and you practically did all of them. I would absolutly love a review of the Apollo Twin or Solo to see if they are good beyond the UAD plugins. Keep going and thanks

[@xchump]

Great idea about changing the High Pass Filter within the software! Really hope Audient picks up on that. I have the previous version and have been considering an upgrade.

[@doctorscoot]

re: monitoring latency when relying on a DAW for FX in the monitor -- so in the mix to the headphones from the _DAW_ I just output of the aux/send reverb (ie no dry) and the DRY only in the audio interface's mixer. As long as it's just reverb (or delay or similar) for the headphone mix and your DAW's latency is in the range of < 50ms ... make sure to subtract the latency time from the reverb pre-delay or set that value to 0. I've done this with a Scarlett 8i6 and Focusrite Control with Ableton Live, it works well enough if all you need to do is send the vocalist a feed with some reverb.

[@meteomartin]

While you're now reviewing audio interfaces of that price range, i'd love to see you review the AudioFuse Rev2 by Arturia! :) Great work - as always!

[@Bobyslav]

+1 for JK to review the Arturia interfaces

[@fluphybunny930]

If they send one he will review it.

[@maximeheberttalbot4505]

Arturia interfaces would be great!!

[@danielvargastoro8974]

Excellent video and analysis! I was especially delighted to see through hard data and graphs how the Audient ID44MKII is taking into account other interfaces that have been launched on the market lately. I sincerely thank you for your work! Keep it up!

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@JulianKrause]

Sehe jetzt erst deine Donation, noch einmal vielen herzlichen Dank!!

[@techmed-rainer]

@@JulianKrause Gerne!

[@jakubprzybyowicz3980]

I've been waiting for this review so much, thanks!

[@disco_cop]

I watch all your reviews even though I don't plan to replace my interface. Says how informative and fun the videos are.

[@rjb7569]

Wish Audient would upgrade the id22... that's the interface that has exactly what I need at a price $200 lower than the id44. Audient refuses to comment on the id22. Unfortunate. The original is quite old now (7-8 years?). I won't buy old tech. But I digress... Master Julian... top shelf review, as usual. This is my first stop for interface reviews. Always. None better. None more thorough. Plus, a touch of much appreciated humor mixed in! You da man! If I ran one of these interface companies, then I hire Julian to help design my gear. He knows what is best... AND what we want. Hope to see him review the new evo 16. Curious as to what his findings would be.

[@samueloluyinkaojomu6548]

They don't want to update the ID22.

[@tuneunleashed]

I swear fam! I’m waiting on the Audient ID22 MK2 as well. If that happens I’m opting out of the Motu Ultralite Mark 5 right away.

[@rjb7569]

@@tuneunleashed I am considering the Ultralite right now. What don't you like about it?

[@tuneunleashed]

@@rjb7569 for desktop use the form factor sucks not only because of the form factor it’s the volume knob that makes it worst if the volume knob was like the Clarrett then it would had been way better. Secondly, there are no indicator lights if you’re ever clipping it’s just a monochrome OLED Screen, third you can’t by-pass the preamps. That’s about it. Everything else it’s solid.

[@rjb7569]

@@tuneunleashed Thanks for the reply. As far as bypassing the preamps goes, the Audient id44 is the only sub-$800 interface that I'm aware of that you can bypass the preamps. Are you aware of any others? I think the Focusrite Clarett series. MOTU Uktralite, Presonus interfaces, etc., all send your signal through their pres. At least, that's what I've read.

[@GingerLeftyGuitar]

The last week I discovered your channel because I was researching a particular interface. I’ve watched about 10 of your reviews so far. So detailed and great to know real world specs of these interfaces. I’m interested to know, if you have a particular interface that has impressed you more than the rest?

[@RAWQWLTY]

Would LOVE to see you cover the new Apogee Symphony Desktop and Apogee Duet 3! Love the channel. Keep up the awesome work!

[@dare2liv_nlove]

Another Julian K review... Another comment from me for the algorithm! 😊 (Edit: Seems the audio companies are taking notice as well, if they started sending you review-products! 😄)

[@Elephatal]

Thank you as always for your transparent reviews and thoroughness. Dying waiting for your Neve 88M review. Those converters really gonna be worth $1245? I am doubtful. Edit: Also love your humor. Makes making it through the specs and tests a more interesting watch overall. Keep it up!

[@TAP7a]

I never expected to hear you say “chunky boi” in a video, but now I know I needed it all along :P

[@JTCavey]

excellent work as always

[@eddynaim6082]

Great work as usual!

[@aidancunningham2052]

Amazing review my friend! Very well considered and valuable information.

[@Irshaad88]

Awesome video. Will you be reviewing UA Apollo X series interfaces? I'm sure many of your subscribers would love to see that.

[@Whyarmani]

Great video once again but question what interface do you use for personal use, out of the ones you have currently tested on the channel?

[@divaythfyr4251]

Yes.

[@mu.si.ka_6929]

Up

[@KallusGarnet]

Behringer

[@TheRobJarvis]

I bought this thing and I love it.

[@EnsBass]

Awesome review as always 😀 Would be nice to see how it compares to the iD44 (Mk I)

[@absolutelyfunk59]

Moins bien voir test audiofanzine

[@rickbiessman6084]

Man, I love your super informative videos with a healthy dose of bone dry humor mixed in. Could it be that you’re an engineer? 😂

[@deeseen3495]

Great review

[@Extrusor_3D]

Thanks for the great review. I would love to see a review of the Fluid Audio SRI-2.

[@maximeheberttalbot4505]

Julian, you’re truly the best reviewer on youtube! I hope you’d review the arturia audiofuse studio or rev two, and the apollo twin x! Can’t chose between them and this new id44!!!

[@matiasportillo3870]

Thanks, exellent review!!

[@prgf]

Thank you Julian, very detailed and accurate as always. Please your review of the audio output of the new Mac Studio 🙏

[@thorstenweimar1190]

Thanks for your honest and accurate reviews! I really enjoy watching your content! But there is one question that doesn't go out of head: Will you do Apogee interfaces? If I rely on my ears, they provide fantastic conversion and high quality preamps. It would be great if you can do some of their stuff like the Duet3 or the Symphony Desktop 🙏. In my humble opinion I would expect them in the top 3 of your charts from a subjective listening experience. Very curious about their technical performance. Apogee was the first company that was able to get the harshness out of digital conversion by inventing and implementing a special filter in the early days of digital recordings. Greetings

[@tuneunleashed]

Thorsten do you recommend the Apogee Quartet in 2022? I saw a brand new one in stores fresh out the box. Would you recommend it for MacBook Pro M1?!

[@tuneunleashed]

@@thorstenweimar1190 Since you’re an apogee fanatic I was wondering if the latency is good enough to play VSTi, does it have loopback? Does it have a compressor, EQ with the Control 2 software since Miestro software is discontinued? I just want to make sure before I make the purchase

[@Sumbibebe]

Great video and info👍🏾

[@Sumbibebe]

Awesome video, it helped me so much👍🏾

[@jcisme]

Remote microphone movement.. Love it.. Who said Germans have no sense of humour 🙂 For those of us who also have a good outboard preamp that line level performance looks awesome. Thanks Julian..

[@BandoLyrix]

Love the humor, Great video ❣

[@donatellodiclemente7527]

it is worth mentioning that the distortion seen at 8:06 at high gain is probably what most people call "colour" or "warmth". It could be desirable or not of course. It only tell us that they are not completely transparent. And this is the reason why people buy a Neve preamp: for its character (which is distortion). It depends on how good is that.

[@mohammadshadfar9288]

Thank you, this video realy helped me

[@TheJoecoool]

waiting for iD44 MKIII 🤑

[@DragonboltBlastter]

Great review, unfortunately the low-cut is digital and that the pre-amps aren't that flat... (hence the ''console grade'' marketing). By the way when UAD Apollo or Steinberg AXR4 review?

[@clar0scuro]

Great reviews! Please do UAD Apollo, Apogee and Avid Mbox!

[@HenrikHarrell]

Great review as usual Julian! Will you be able to make a review of the Ferrofish Pulse 16 in the future?

[@phpn99]

Julian, you may also want to test intermodulation distortion in the gear you review. The test suite used by Amir at AudioScience Review is pretty good.

[@Purrrelll]

Love the shirt, funky✌️

[@ethan_silv3r]

I’m thinking about getting the Audient ID44 MkII but have also been considering the Mbox Studio. I’m not sure which one to get 😅.

[@srkbd89]

Absolutely love your reviews..pls review arturia audiofuse studio if you can!! 😀

[@dotsonpaper]

Great review. Any plans to review the Audient Evo 16?

[@NoName_4]

Sehr interessant!

[@TheMcinku]

Great job as always and this is an excellent interface. … but I still believe Arturia Audiofuse Studio is superior interface in performance and in features. I hope you will test one of those interfaces in the future.

[@fluphybunny930]

Get them to send one and he will !

[@LBJedi]

Wonderfully thorough review! Have you reviewed any of the UA Apollo series? If so, I’m having trouble finding them. They are y h popular interface, and I’m wondering if it’s worth investing in one.

[@fabianrr]

GG Julian, EVO 16 🤔

[@Seifmaher]

Hi Julian, Thank you so much for your great reviews. I hope you may test and measure the performance of interfaces such as UA Apollo, RME and Avid HD i/o… I would like to know how they compare on paper to the less than $500 interfaces…

[@itayoron]

Hi Julian, you are mentioning that the internals are similar to the iD4 & iD14 mk2 models that shares the same ADC & DAC chips. But, I read on ASR forum that iD4 & iD14 mk2 have been using ES9822PRO ADC instead of the AK5574EN since the latter half of 2021 because of the fire in AKM. The updated iD4 also replaced CS43198 DAC with CS43199. Both updated chips are apparently worse than the original setup (AK5574EN+CS43198). You can follow the thread here: Post in thread 'iD4 & iD14 MK II - Audient updated their Audio Interfaces' These changes were silently made by Audient and It seems no one has measured the updated versions using the inferior ADC. Consumers are therefore basing their purchasing decisions on the many positive reviews of the original products, including yours. I believe it is important to review the updated versions, compare their performance against the original version as well as against the competition. In that regard, it is also important to verify if due to the AKM fire, other products got silently updated, such as for example SSL 2/SSL 2+. I hope you can help us to find answers to these questions. Thank you 🙏

[@grooved9523]

While they should clearly say what chipsets they use, including when they change and use new one, I don't why you would call the ES9822PRO and "inferior ADC". ES9822PRO and AK5574EN has both 124dB of dynamic range in 2ch mode ES9822PRO has -117dB of THD+N, while the AK5574EN has "only" -112dB The only thing that could make new version having lower AD quality would be the implementation, not the chipset itself.

[@georgeraindog]

Congratulations for your work and your channel! Any chance to see a review for Mackie Big Knob Studio which offers some more functionality (Monitor Controller)?

[@sunahura]

I have the first 1d44, I'm not trusting any replacement for my baby, it's rock solid and proven. Pro sound and reliable. I don't know, I will think about it.

[@hearmenow909]

The improvements aren't enough to change, unless you need 3 headphone outputs?

[@vinz440]

Thanks Julian ... great to see these comparisons. Would you consider testing a digital mixer like the allenheath sq5 ? It s a mixing desk but I see lots of people ( including myself :) ) using it as audio interface and dac converter. Would be curious how this would compare vs the audients & motu s

[@three36ixx]

iD44 MKII vs Evo16? would love to see an Evo16 review / comparison :)

[@ZanBailey94]

MOTU UltraLite-mk5 vs audient id44 mk ii which is better ad/da audio wise

[@fernandinaamy]

Will you review the new Solid State Logic SSL12 and compare it to the Audient id44 mkii? Trying to decide between them! Love your reviews!

[@gerardlake]

Hey Julian when are you going to review Neve 88m audio interface ?

[@Pissarrio]

Julian, i think its time for you to design, engineer and manufacture you own interface, where you can implement everything on your whish list as far as components and functionalities are concerned. And i am not being sarcastic or funny, i mean it and hope you do it someday soon.

[@fluphybunny930]

You have the 100s of millions to lend him to do this?

[@Pissarrio]

@@fluphybunny930 no stupid, he can do the preliminary design of the circuity and then fund the project on Kickstarter and or Indiegogo like 1000s of other inventors do, or patent his design and sell it or partner up with other companies to develop it or like some other people are doing on you tube, to develop a project website and ask the channel viewers to contribute to it or get involved in many EUs/Germany's government and or private sector programs to assist him in the development of his design or present his design in investment capitol forum and their annual conferences, or so many different ways that someone can find the capitol to bring a product to the market or use his patreon account to get people fund his project/s. And here is something that is going to blow your mind ready? developing a prototype of for the design of a audio circuitry does not need a lot of money and or resources rather it's the mass manufacturing, distribution, marketing, product pre-sales and post sales engineering and product support that costs millions and with today's technology at our fingertips you can develop almost anything in your garage including developing an artificial heart with the use of 3D printing in your basement. your brain is just too fluffy to think further than your nose Bunny.

[@henryzometa]

I was waiting for this. Please can you tell me if there is a noticeable difference (audible) in the quality of digital to analog conversion between ID44 MKII and EVO 16. I would like to have 8 mic preamps with the EVO but I value more good quality in the DAC conversion. What do you recommend? Thank you

[@stickittoyafoodtruck9120]

I am a bit bummed that I have heard the original ID44 does not have has good of D/A conversion is as good as the new MK2. I just bought my ID44 a month ago. I should have waited 5 more weeks.

[@sikwitit773]

@@stickittoyafoodtruck9120 no your fine the id44 blows the id14 mkii out the water far as preamps and converters go the id14mii sounds harsher with louder less natural headphones jacks compared to id44 but the id44 overall has a smoother and better Soundstage that and you bypass the preamps and add your own like running a asp880 with a id44. With a headphone amp (which i have because my old ur22c can't power my DT 770 80 ohms headphones.

[@robertfontaine3650]

@@stickittoyafoodtruck9120 All of these are so good that it unless you are working with sound outside of normal hearing range it just doesn't matter. It's all about whether the features meet your needs.

[@grimslater]

Great solid review. Can you do the Behringer X32 please?

[@drezgar]

Julian !!! Can You do a video for the new Neve 88M?????

[@AcesBeatz]

Let's go Big J

[@electricwhiterabbit]

Great review. Such a shame about the hipass filters. Basically they are completely useless on this when I can just use an EQ in my DAW after the fact and have a choice of what I want to use. Hopefully you can review the EVO16.

[@electricwhiterabbit]

Hi @JulianKrause apparently according to Audient, the hi pass filters are not digital and are analog and are put before the send return in the preamp. How did you discover that they are digital?

[@JStationC]

Hey Julian I'd love to see some content on the UA apollo (any thunderbolt model), do you think you'll ever do a review on them?

[@mikeazmos]

Thanks for great rewiev, as usuall ! Still can't understand, why the doing only one loopback stereochannel, podcasters, streamers and DJ's must suffer with ASIO link pro, if they want to sidechain main out with their microphone signal. HP filter failed. Many microphones like Lewitt 440 pure doesn't have it. But converters are great. 126db on output is outstanding.

[@Freez_Izzy]

Yes! Finally. Thanks JK!

[@benoittissier58]

Great review again ! But why so many buttons and no proper input meters ? And does the software work under Linux ?

[@GMan269]

Julian: good work as usual. I hope you might take a look at the new Neve 88M. Not heavy on features for $1245. Curious if that money is buying something more than the name. Thanks!

[@DuroSamples]

Those roll off switches are classic KPD add on! KPD: Knobs Per Dollar.

[@sikwitit773]

Oh snap mic rotation 😳 Can't wait for the iD64 where it transforms into Johnny 5 and starts freestyling.

[@DarkPa1adin]

iD69

[@sikwitit773]

@@DarkPa1adin That version will create a incriminating rap album for you but will immediately tell the judge that was all your idea.

[@SenexBeatz]

Between this interface and zen go, which has better preamps? Thanks

[@PungkiAhimsa]

Any Audient iD series owner, have you ever experience some kind of electricity powery thing problem? I heard some stories about it, I hope it's better in all the iD Mk IIs

[@meteomartin]

Other suggestions of reviews - in the same price range : the new RODECaster Pro II and Evo 16 :)

[@chrismarcyy]

Audient is such an amazing company and make such incredible audio interfaces, and it hurts me that I cant buy them cause they still don't come with SPDIF RCA I/O :( . I hope in the future they include them.

[@ToneSoCooL3]

Is there a chance it's software wouldn't work on older Mac OS since it is so new?

[@FlorentChardevel]

@@ToneSoCooL3 check their official product page, they should present which macos version is compatible with the interface

[@stevethebeeline44]

I was thinking the same as I use Spdif RCA/Coax type connection from the Two Notes Torpedo Live to Spdif in. I see that there are converters for “Coax to Toslink Two Way Converter & Repeater” by Lindy that would mean you could send the Spdif Coax signal into one of the Adat In ports. I see even the higher end RME units (Fireface, UFX units etc…) no longer have the Spdif / Coax connections.

[@Izac1]

🔥🔥🔥

[@gurumajuindonesia]

how about EVO16???

[@laudaaren6293]

Hello, thanks for this vidéo... 4 chanels but jus one level meter.. if all the chanel are used, how to know wich one is visible on the lever meter? Thnaks

[@LBJedi]

Jillian! Have you seen the new interface from Neve ??? It looks INCREDIBLE on paper. I’d love to hear your thoughts?

[@thierrystephany6451]

Thanks !!! 🙏👍💪😉

[@baturalpgunermd8652]

Thanks for the incredible review. Can you use there 4 channel outputs on Audient devices (id14 id24 id44) as 4 separate output channels (like drivine a 4 speaker surround sytem)?

[@RealLockheedMartin]

Also, please review the Yamaha AG06MK2. I really want to know how good it is at its price. It's got so many features, but even the MK1 had very few reviews on it outside Japan.

[@maldonadocorrea]

the blunt question is : Audient changed the connectors to improve quality or earn more money ? and why this time they do not say the brand of the converters? that makes me doubt, I have the ID14 and I love it. I am analyzing buying the id44. For you, did it improve or lower the quality than the previous version of id44?

[@Aletheia_Z]

Could you please do a review of the Behringer UMC204HD ?? That model also had a recent driver update and seems like a better alternative to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as it also has MIDI connectors and inserts

[@captainhash2329]

Apogee Symphony Desktop Review please! 😯

[@Alexandra-Rex]

Do you know if there have been any updates to the software for more features for the function buttons and maybe change the frequency for the digital high pass filter?

[@Sicolirics]

Which interface has better converters for recording through synthesizer plugins, the Audient ID44 MKII or the Motu M4 I will be moving primarily software from Arturia, Korg, Cherry Audio, U-HE and Spitfire Audio depending on what you tell me I will buy one or the other